I recently went to a support group meeting that my doctor's office has on a monthly basis. (I am scheduled for the sleeve surgery on 8/19.) The focus on that night's meeting was geared towards individuals that have not yet had surgery and fighting those weak moments when you just want to eat.

One of the speakers was one of my NUT's. She had suggested making an "INSTEAD OF BOX" meaning go to this box instead of eating. She showed examples of things like: deck of cards, inspirational books, puzzle books, back massager (this got a big giggle from the crowd), etc...simply put, things you like or can do to take your mind off of eating, While this sounded kind of silly at the time, I thought about it and decided, just today (so I figured I'd share), to make my own box. However, my box is not just going to be filled with things I can do, but slips of paper of why I am doing this...and things I'd rather do than continue my overweight lifestyle and indulgences.

For example, slips of paper that say:

I'm tired of being embarrassed when wearing a bathing suit

No longer having high blood pressure

I want to be able to shop for clothes at a normal store

I want to be able to walk up stairs without being winded.

I'm putting in pictures of places and things I want to do that I was am too embarrassed now to do.

Has anyone done this? How did it work for you? Kind of like putting signs on the fridge.

Edited July 21, 201511 yr by Pillar2butterfly

I really like this idea, and I'll work on one starting for myself

awesome idea

This is an excellent idea for reviving motivation along the way. I'm definitely going to start my own "instead of" box. Thanks for sharing!

I haven't done this for myself, but I used to keep a list of 100 reasons to lose 100 pounds and read it once in a while.

In a way, some of the changes I've already experienced, just losing 30 pounds, have made a big difference in the quality of my life.

Before surgery I was in pain every day. After surgery, I am pain free more days than not.

Before surgery I had borderline hbp. After surgery, my bp is textbook.

Before surgery I could only walk up stairs one step at a time (step, together, step, together). After surgery I can walk up like normal.

I'm certain as I think about it, my list will get longer.

I have a journal with pictures of my bucket exercise/ activity list. For instance - stuff I want to do but have not because I was overweight. I crossed the first one off last weekend - run a 5 k (i still cannot believe I did it without stopping) - took 40 min but I did it...

Other items - climb Halfdome Yosemite, surf (wet suit scared me), walking across Golden Gate bridge (yep - live near SF).

Jenn

What a great idea!! I have been doing a "bucket list" too this summer. Now that I am not focusing on losing as much as maintaining. I am using other goals that I want to reach. So far this summer I have been camping, brought kayaks, going to the beach, swimming in my pool, zip lining, and hiking a part of the Appalachian trail.

Life is so much fun.

Sounds like you are focused. Good luck on your surgery!!

When I was on my preop diet I wrote down all the things I hate about being big and all the things I wanted to do once I was smaller on a piece of cardstock and put it on the fridge. I had words crammed in everywhere, sideways, upside down. When I felt weak I would look at it.

Edited July 22, 201511 yr by GirlOnFire

Love these ideas!

Even though I'm at maintenance, I started this list yesterday. This is a great activity not only for losing, but for maintenance.

Thanks for sharing this idea I Love it so much going to start one this weekend